Video Visitation Program

Note: Visitors cannot simply use a device or phone and visit from anywhere—they must visit by going to another facility and participating in the program there. The visits are between facilities, not from any location to the facility where the inmate lives.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) hosts the Video Visitation Program at all SCI’s and Region 1 BCC Office. This program gives inmates, placed in a correctional institution a long distance from their home, the chance to visit via Video Visitation Stations with their Approved Visitors. It provides the opportunity for family members and loved ones to "visit" an inmate even if they might not otherwise be able to do so.

Video visitation is offered at all SCIs and Bureau of Community Corrections Region 1 Office (261 Old York Road, Suite 420, Jenkintown, PA). Visitors can
register through GTLonlinewith the Android app GTL VisMobile. If you have trouble with registration, please call 855.208.7349.

An approved visitor may visit from an
SCI or Region 1 BCC Office. Up to three approved individuals may visit at a time. Visits will:

take place in accordance with the institution's established visiting hours;

be 50 minutes in duration;

count as regular (in-person) visits; and

be subject to audio/video recording

Visitors who have been restricted from visiting may not participate in the program.

An Example of How a Video Visit Works:

An Approved Visitor schedules a Video Visit; which will occur from prison sites: SCI Coal Township and SCI Albion. The Approved Visitor schedules to arrive at SCI Coal Township to Video Visit with their son, because they live close to SCI Coal Township. Their son is incarcerated at SCI Albion. Fifteen minutes before the Video Visit appointment, the Approved Visitor arrives at SCI Coal Township and is processed as an official visitor. The Approved Visitor will be placed in front of a Video Visitation Station and visits with their son, who is sitting in front of a Video Visitation Station at SCI Albion.

Inmate Participation

An inmate who wants to participate in the program should inform their approved visitors and encourage them to sign up via GTL. All inmates will be given information on Video Visitation at Orientation, and posters will be provided on all Housing Units.

Anyone on the inmate's approved visiting list may visit the inmate through video visitation as long as they are registered and approved via the GTL application.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Program

How can family/loved ones visit? They can visit by becoming an approved visitor via GTL. You will be informed via email of your video visitation status after you register.
Visitors cannot visit from home; they must visit at an SCI or BCC Region 1.

How many people can visit at one time? Three people can visit at one time. Only one approved video visitor needs to schedule a video visit, however, if additional visitors come for the video visit, and they are not approved visitors on the inmate’s visiting list, they will not be permitted to visit.

Can children and infants visit? Absolutely. We encourage them to come with adult supervision. They must have their birth certificate or a social security card as identification with them when they visit.

Do approved visitors need to bring ID?YES. Adults and children must follow the ID guidelines set forth in the Visitation policy

Where do visits take place?They can take place at all SCIs and in BCC Region 1 office.

What time should visitors arrive? Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the visit to complete paperwork.

How long are the visits?Visits are 50 minutes in duration.

How much does it cost?Visits are free.

What other rules apply during visits?Cell phones are NOT permitted. You must abide by ALL visiting guidelines established by the DOC or you risk removal from being an approved visitor.